Plans are underway for a huge toy giveaway to help struggling Craigneuk families for Christmas 2018.

More than 1500 local children enjoyed their Christmas thanks to the generosity of North Lanarkshire residents who gave toys to the collection.

The council backed appeal was the brainchild of Wishaw community volunteer Martine Nolan who has organised similar appeals in Motherwell and Wishaw over the last couple of years to help families with much-needed toys.

And having held events in both Forgewood and Gowkthrapple it is hoped for a similar event to be held in Craigneuk over the 2018 festive period.

Labour councillor for Motherwell South East and Ravenscraig, Kenneth Duffy, attended the event in Forgewood alongside the SNP’s Agnes Magowan.

Speaking to members of Craigneuk Community Council, Councillor Duffy said: “Myself and Councillor Magowan were down at the Forgewood event and it was very successful and very humbling.

“There were hundreds of kids who were distributed toys.

“The success going forward is the referrals to organisations like the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) and debt advice services.

“I’ve already spoken to Martine and considering Craigneuk and the levels of deprivation, it’s a much-needed event which could take place at the Jim Foley Centre this Christmas.

“Hopefully this is something the community council will take on and plea for.”

Councillor Magowan added: “I have never been involved in the campaign before but I walked into the room and was gobsmacked by the number of toys.

“There were three rooms full of them.”

Martine confirmed she was happy to meet with any interested parties in the area.

She said: “Kenneth has spoken to me about this and said the community council would love to have an event in Craigneuk.